Receptacle having a securable lid

ABSTRACT

A trash receptacle includes a receptacle body, a lid, and a first locking mechanism for securing the lid to the receptacle body. The first locking mechanism includes a locking element coupled to one of the lid or receptacle body and a locking aperture coupled to the other of the lid or receptacle body. The locking element engages the locking aperture to secure the lid to the receptacle body. The receptacle may include a second locking mechanism including a strap and a pair of connecting members coupled to the receptacle body. The ends of the strap are coupled to the connecting members such that the strap tightly engages the lid to secure the lid to the receptacle body. Each of the first and second locking mechanisms may be used alone with a receptacle, or alternatively may be used in combination to provide additional securement of the lid.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to receptacles having lids, and more particularlyto a trash receptacle having a lid capable of being secured thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Trash and garbage receptacles of the type having a body for reception ofwaste material and a cooperating cover or lid often present a problemdue to the lid becoming dislodged or otherwise separated from the bodyso that its contents are spilled or removed from the receptacle. It isfrustrating to take valuable time and effort to collect waste materialand redeposit it in the receptacle on the occasion that the wastematerial has been undesirably removed from the receptacle. This happens,for example, when industrious animals, wind, or other motive forces gainaccess to the contents of the receptacle and spread waste material allover the yard, driveway, or street curb. Such an event is inconvenient,unsightly, and perhaps a source of embarrassment.

Various mechanisms for temporarily securing the lid to the receptaclebody are known. For instance, some systems simply rely on friction tosecure the lid to the receptacle body. Such systems have provenineffective because an animal or strong wind can readily overcome thefrictional force to dislodge the lid. Other systems may include variousmechanisms for securing the lid to the receptacle body. Many of thesesystems, however, are relatively complex, difficult to manipulate, proneto damage, ineffective, or suffer from other disadvantages or drawbacks.

Therefore, there is a need for an improved receptacle having a securablelid which is easy to use, resists damage, and is effective in securingthe lid to the receptacle body so as to prevent undesired removal of thereceptacle contents.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention in various embodiments is directed to a trash receptaclehaving a receptacle body, a lid, and a first locking mechanism for atleast partially securing the lid to the receptacle body that overcomesthe drawbacks of previous systems. The receptacle may optionally have asecond locking mechanism for providing additional securement of the lidto the receptacle body.

A trash receptacle in accordance with one embodiment of the inventionincludes a receptacle body having a bottom wall and at least onesidewall that collectively define a cavity having an opening foraccessing the cavity and adapted to hold various items, including wastematerial. The lid has an upper surface and an opposed lower surface andis adapted to cover the opening when engaged with the receptacle body.The receptacle includes a first locking mechanism having an unlockedposition, in which the lid is capable of moving away from the receptaclebody, and a locked position, in which the lid is prevented from movingaway from the receptacle body. The first locking mechanism includes alocking element coupled to one of the lid or receptacle body andincluding a projecting member. Additionally, the first locking memberincludes a locking aperture coupled to the other of the lid orreceptacle body. When the first locking member is in the lockedposition, the projecting member is received in the locking aperture toat least partially secure the lid to the receptacle body.

In one embodiment, the locking element includes a tab, and preferablytwo opposed tabs, extending from the lower surface of the lid and eachhaving the projecting member extending therefrom in a generallycircumferential direction. The receptacle body may include a handle, andpreferably two handles, each having a pair of opposed, spaced apartlateral walls with an elongate member extending therebetween. Thelocking apertures may be formed in at least one of the lateral walls ofthe handles. In this embodiment, the first locking mechanism is movablebetween the unlocked and locked positions through rotation of the lid ina circumferential direction relative to the receptacle body. The firstlocking mechanism not only prevents the lid from moving away from thereceptacle body when in the locked position, but also prevents rotationof the lid relative to the receptacle body in a first circumferentialdirection. The lid, however, is capable of freely rotating relative tothe receptacle body in a second circumferential direction, opposite thefirst circumferential direction, when in the locked position.

The receptacle may further include a guiding mechanism to facilitateengagement of the locking element and the locking aperture. To this end,the lid may include a tab extending from its lower surface and adaptedto overlie a lip of the receptacle body adjacent the opening. The lipincludes a notch formed therein and a slot formed in and extending alongthe lip. The notch receives the tab when the lid is moved so that thetab overlies the notch. When this occurs, the locking element isadjacent to and aligned with the locking aperture. In this way, as thelid is rotated toward the locked position, the slot guides the lockingelement into the locking aperture.

The receptacle may include a second locking mechanism having an unlockedposition, in which the lid is capable of moving away from the receptaclebody, and a locked position, in which the lid is prevented from movingaway from the receptacle body. The second locking mechanism includes anelongate strap having a first end and a second end, and a pair ofconnecting members coupled to the receptacle body. The first and secondends of the strap are coupled to the receptacle body such that the straptightly engages the lid when in the locked position. The strap mayinclude releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop fasteners, adjacentthe first and/or second ends for coupling the end or ends to theconnecting members. In addition, the lid may include a groove formed inits upper surface to receive the strap when in the locked position.

In another embodiment of the invention, a locking mechanism for areceptacle having a receptacle body and a lid includes an elongate straphaving first end and a second end. A fastener may be coupled to thestrap adjacent the first end for coupling the strap to the receptaclebody. In one embodiment, the fasteners are used to form a loop in thestrap that extends around a pin of the connecting member. The second endof the strap includes a first magnetic component. The first magneticcomponent cooperates with a second magnetic component on the receptacleor the strap itself to secure the strap to the receptacle. The firstmagnetic component may be a magnet or a magnetic-attracting component(e.g., iron or steel plate).

The second locking mechanism may be used alone with a trash receptacleto at least partially secure the lid to the receptacle body. To thisend, both of the ends of the strap may be releasably coupled to theconnecting members, such as with hook and loop fasteners. Alternately,however, one end of the strap may be fixedly secure to one of theconnecting members or to the receptacle itself so that only one end ofthe strap is manipulated by a user to place the second locking mechanismin the locked position. As noted above, the second locking mechanism mayalso be used in combination with the first locking mechanism to provideadditional securement of the lid to the receptacle body.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbecome more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art uponreview of the following detailed description taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a general description of the invention given above, andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

FIG. 1 is a partially disassembled elevation view of a receptacle andlid in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the lid shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the receptacle body of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the receptacle of FIG. 1 in an assembledstate;

FIG. 4A is another elevation view of the trash receptacle of FIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is partially disassembled top view of the trash receptacle ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an assembled top view of the trash receptacle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the encircled area of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the encircled area of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9A is a top view of a strap in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9B is a bottom view of the strap of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10A is a top view of an alternative embodiment of a strap inaccordance with the invention; and

FIG. 10B is a bottom view of the strap of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With respect to the figures, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-4, anexemplary embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the invention isshown. The receptacle 10 includes a receptacle body 12, a lid 14, and afirst locking mechanism, generally shown at 16, that operates to atleast partially secure the lid 14 to the receptacle body 12 andtherefore prevent or reduce the likelihood that the lid 14 isundesirably removed from the receptacle body 12. The receptacle 10 mayfurther include a second locking mechanism, generally shown at 18, thatlikewise operates to at least partially secure the lid 14 to thereceptacle body 12. As discussed in more detail below, the first andsecond locking mechanisms 16, 18 may each be used alone to secure thelid 14 to the receptacle body 12. Alternatively, the locking mechanisms16, 18 may be used in combination with each other to provide additionalor multiple levels of protection against undesired removal of the lid 14from the receptacle body 12.

The receptacle body 12 includes at least one sidewall 20 and a bottomwall 22 that defines a cavity 24 for holding various items, such astrash and other waste material. The cavity 24 may be accessed through anopening 26 at an upper end of the receptacle body 12. The receptaclebody 12 may further include a lip 27 extending along the periphery ofthe opening 26 of the receptacle body 12. The lip 27 may be integrallyformed with the sidewall 20, or alternatively be coupled to the sidewall20 during assembly thereof in a manner known to those of ordinary skillin the art. The lip 27 provides a resting or contact surface for the lid14 and provides structural integrity to the receptacle body 12. Thereceptacle body 12 may be made of any suitable material capable ofproviding structural integrity to the receptacle 10, especially whenfilled with material or during transport of the receptacle 10. Forexample, and without limitation, the receptacle body 12 may be formedfrom plastics, wood, composite materials, metals, combinations thereof,or other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, although not shown, the receptacle body 12 may include wheels,casters, or the like adjacent the bottom wall 22 so as to facilitatetransportation of the receptacle 10.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, and as seen in many conventionalreceptacle constructions, a pair of diametrically opposed handles 28 mayextend outwardly from the sidewall 20 of the receptacle body 12 tofacilitate, among other things, handling of the receptacle 10. Thehandles 28 may be located proximate the opening 26 of the receptaclebody 12 and each includes a handle opening 30 for insertion of a humanhand. In one embodiment, the handle opening 30 is defined by a pair ofopposed, spaced-apart lateral walls 32 and an elongate member 34extending between the lateral walls 32, but spaced from the sidewall 20of the receptacle body 12 so as to define the handle opening 30. Thelateral walls 32 and elongate member 34 are made of materials suitablefor human handling and capable of supporting the weight of thereceptacle 10 and its contents during use. For example, and withoutlimitation, the handles 28 may be formed from plastics, wood, compositematerials, metals, combinations thereof, or other materials known tothose of ordinary skill in the art. In one embodiment, the handles 28may be made of the same material as the receptacle body 12, although notso limited. Moreover, the handles 28 may be formed integral with thereceptacle body 12, such as during a molding operation, or be a separatecomponent that is coupled to the receptacle body 12 during assembly, viasuitable components and associated methods such as adhesives, welding,rivets, fasteners or others known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lid 14 may have a generally concave shape with asize suitable to cover the opening 26 to cavity 24 when the lid 14 isengaged with the receptacle body 12, to thereby prevent access to thecavity 24 and its contents. The lid 14 includes an upper surface 36 andan opposed lower surface 38 that define the concave shape of the lid 14.In addition, the lid 14 includes an outer rim or flange 40 that isslightly larger than the receptacle body 12 adjacent the opening 26.Although not shown, the lid 14 may include other features. For example,the lid 14 may include a handle (not shown) that provides a grippingsurface so as to facilitate manipulation of the lid 14.

As mentioned above, the receptacle 10 includes a first locking mechanism16 for at least partially securing the lid 14 to the receptacle body 12.To this end, the first locking mechanism 16 includes a first lockingmember on the lid 14 and a second locking member on the receptacle body12 that cooperate to at least partially secure the lid 14 to thereceptacle body 12. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the first locking membermay include a pair of diametrically opposed primary tabs 42 extendingdownwardly from the lower surface 38 of the lid 14 and radially disposedsuch that, when the lid 14 is placed over the receptacle body 12following the general direction indicated by arrow 53, the primary tabs42 lie generally outside the receptacle body 12, adjacent the exposedsurface 44 of the sidewall 20. For example, the primary tabs 42 maydepend from the outer rim 40 of lid 14.

With reference to FIG. 2, a locking element 46 includes a projectingmember extending circumferentially from each of the primary tabs 42. Forexample, the locking element 46 may be configured as an elongate pin orfinger projecting away from primary tabs 42. The locking elements 46 areconfigured to project in the same circumferential direction, e.g.clockwise or counterclockwise (counterclockwise shown in FIG. 5). Whilethe embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 shows one locking element 46projecting from each of the primary tabs 42, those of ordinary skill inthe art will appreciate that locking elements 46 in a number in excessof one may project from a primary tab 42. Similarly, it is contemplatedthat a lid 14 may include primary tabs 42 in a number in excess of two.The locking elements 46 may be integrally formed with the primary tabs42, or alternatively be suitably coupled thereto, via, for example andwithout limitation, fasteners, adhesives and the like. The material andshape that define the primary tabs 42 and locking elements 46 aresuitably chosen such that they can maintain their structural integritywhen the locking elements 46 are engaged with a corresponding secondlocking member on the receptacle body 12. In one embodiment, the primarytabs 42 and locking elements 46 are integrally formed with each otherand are both made of the same material that defines the lid 14. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize suitable materials for theprimary tabs 42 and locking elements 46, including those provided abovefor lid 14.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 4A, 5-6, and as mentioned above, a secondlocking member on the receptacle body 12 cooperates with the firstlocking member on the lid 14 to at least partially secure the lid 14 tothe receptacle body 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the second lockingmember may be defined by a locking aperture 48 extending through alateral wall 32 in each of the handles 28. The particular lateral wall32 that includes the locking aperture 48 is determined by thecircumferential direction in which the locking elements 46 project. Eachof the locking apertures 48 is suitably shaped to receive one of thelocking elements 46 on the lid 14. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1,the locking apertures 46 are generally circular in shape to receive acorresponding locking element 46 having a circular cross section. Thoseof ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the locking elements46 and locking apertures 48 may have any size and shape so long as thelocking apertures 48 may readily receive the locking elements 46therein. Each locking aperture 48 is radially disposed on the lateralwalls 32 of handles 28 such that when the lid 14 is placed over thereceptacle body 12, the locking apertures 48 are each radially alignedwith a corresponding locking element 46. Each locking aperture 48 isfurther suitably located on a lateral wall 32 such that the integrity ofthe lateral wall 32 can be maintained when a locking element 46 isengaged therethrough and a force is applied tending to separate the lid14 from the receptacle body 12.

With reference to FIG. 5, and in operation, when the lid 14 is placedover the receptacle body 12 such that the locking elements 46 lieadjacent a pair of corresponding locking apertures 48 and is rotated inthe direction in which the locking elements 46 project (generallyindicated by arrow 57), the locking elements 46 on primary tabs 42engage the locking apertures 48 in the handles 28, thereby interlockingthe receptacle body 12 and the lid 14. The interconnection between thelocking elements 46 and locking apertures 48 thus prevents any motion ofthe lid 14 away from the receptacle body 14 (e.g., such as in an upwarddirection). Moreover, the primary tabs 42, from which the lockingelements 46 project, provide stop surfaces for the locking elements 46such that, when the locking elements 46 and locking apertures 48 areengaged, the lid 14 is prevented from further rotating in the directionin which the locking elements 46 project (e.g., counterclockwisedirection) beyond the point of contact between the lateral wall 32 and aprimary tab 42 adjacent thereto.

Thus, when the first locking mechanism 16 is in a locked state, i.e.,the locking elements 46 are engaged with corresponding locking apertures48, the lid 14 is restricted from any relative axial motion away fromthe receptacle body 12 as well as from relative rotational motion in onecircumferential direction (e.g., counterclockwise direction). The firstlocking mechanism 16 does, however, permit relative motion in the othercircumferential direction (e.g., clockwise direction) so that the lid 14may be moved to an unlocked position, i.e., the locking elements 46 arenot engaged with corresponding locking apertures 48, so that the lid 14may be removed from the receptacle body 12 when so desired by the user.

While the locking element 46 having the projecting portion is shown anddescribed as being coupled to the lid 14 and the locking apertures 48are shown and described as being coupled to the receptacle body 12, theinvention is not so limited. In another embodiment of the invention, thelocking element 46 may coupled to the receptacle body 12 and the lockingaperture 48 may be coupled to the lid 14 and be within the scope of theinvention.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a guide mechanism, generally shown at49, cooperates with the first locking mechanism 16 to facilitateengagement of each of the locking elements 46 with a corresponding oneof the locking apertures 48. In particular, the guide mechanism 49 isdefined by a first guide member on the lid 14 and a cooperating secondguide member on the receptacle body 12. The first and second guidemembers cooperate such that the locking elements 46 are adjacent to andalign with the locking apertures 48. A user would then know that arelatively small rotation of the lid 14 will move the first lockingmechanism 16 to the locked position, as explained above. To this end,the first guide member is defined by a pair of diametrically opposedsecondary tabs or blocks 52 projecting from the lower surface 38 of thelid 14. The secondary tabs 52 are radially disposed such that when thelid 14 is placed over the receptacle body 12, the secondary tabs overliethe lip 27. The secondary tabs 52 may be integrally formed with the lid14, or alternatively be suitably coupled thereto. Coupling may beachieved, for example and without limitation, via rivets, fasteners,adhesives, or the like. In another aspect of this embodiment, thesecondary tabs 52 may be made of the same material defining the lid 14,or may be alternatively made of a different material. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize suitable materials for secondary tabs52, including those provided above for lid 14.

The second guide member is defined by a pair of diametrically opposednotches 54 and corresponding slots 56 formed in lip 27. The notches 54are disposed on the lip 27 and dimensioned such that they receive one ofthe secondary tabs 52 when the lid 14 is placed over the receptacle body12 and the secondary tabs 52 overlie the notches 54. The presence of twosecondary tabs 52 in conjunction with two notches 54 provides no morethan two discrete positions in which the lid 14 can engage the lip 27and be secured to the receptacle body 12. The location of the notches 54is such that, when they receive the secondary tabs 52, each of thelocking elements 46 will align with and be adjacent to a correspondinglocking aperture 48 in a handle 28. The slot or channel 56circumferentially projects from each of the notches 54 generally in thedirection in which the locking elements 46 project. The slots 56 areshaped to receive each of the secondary tabs 52 when the lid 14 isrotated in the direction of projection of the locking elements 46 (e.g.,counterclockwise direction). Thus, the slots 56 provide a guided traveltrajectory for the lid 14, such that when such trajectory is followed,the locking elements 46 engage the locking apertures 48. The slots 56are further shaped such their integrity can be maintained despiterepeated contact with the secondary tabs 52.

Although it is contemplated that the receptacle 10 incorporating thefirst locking mechanism 16, as described above, is sufficient to preventthe undesired removal of the lid 14 from the receptacle body 12 in mostcases, the first locking mechanism 16 does permit free rotation of thelid 14 relative to receptacle body 12 in one circumferential direction.Thus, the possibility of an industrious animal or other motive forceundesirably removing the lid 14 still exists. Thus, as noted above, thereceptacle 10 may include a second locking mechanism 18 to provideadditional securement of the lid 14 to the receptacle body 12. To thisend, the second locking mechanism 18 generally includes a strap 60, anda pair of connecting members 59 coupled to the receptacle body 12. Asexplained in more detail below, the strap 60 is configured to be coupledto the connecting members and tightly pulled over the lid 14 to securethe lid 14 to the receptacle body 12.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, 9A-9B, in one embodiment, the strap 60 isa generally elongate flat member extending along a main axis 66 andhaving opposed upper and lower surfaces 68, 70 and opposed first andsecond ends 72, 74. The strap 60 may be made from a flexible,non-stretchable fabric. For example, and without limitation, the strap60 may be made of woven nylon, cotton, polyester or any other suitablematerial known to those of ordinary skill in the art capable ofsufficiently securing the lid 14 in place against the receptacle body 12and resisting expected levels of wear and tear as well as animal andweather-induced damage. Strap 60 includes one or more hook and loopfasteners 76, 78 located on the upper surface 68 of the strap 60, ateach of the first and second ends 72, 74. For example, the hook and loopfasteners 76, 78 may be Velcro®. In one aspect of this embodiment, eachend 72, 74 has at least one hook fastener 76 and at least one loopfastener 78. The hook fasteners 76 and loop fasteners 78 are disposed oneach end 72, 74 of the strap 60 such that at least one hook fastener 76is located at a position along the axis 66 of the strap 60 spaced fromthat of a loop fastener 78.

The ends 72, 74 of the strap 60 may be releasably coupled to theconnecting members 59 on the receptacle body 12. To this end, theconnecting members 59 include a pair of opposed, spaced-apart lateralwalls 84 coupled to the sidewall 20 of receptacle body 12 and a pin 64extending between the lateral walls 84, but spaced from the sidewall 20so as to define a strap channel 82 dimensioned to accept the strap 60.The lateral walls 84 are coupled to the sidewall 20 such that they maybe securely held in place. Such engagement may include fixed connectionssuch as, and without limitation, those provided by screws or othersuitable fasteners. As shown in FIG. 3, when the second lockingmechanism 18 is used in combination with the first locking mechanism 16,the circumferential location of the connecting members 59 may be about90 degrees offset from one of the handles 28. Alternatively, however,the connecting members 59 may be circumferentially disposed anywherealong the sidewall 20. Additionally, the pins 64 may be coupled to thelateral walls 84 such that it is capable of rotating about an axis alonga length of the pins 64. Although the connecting members 59 have beendescribed as having lateral walls 84 and a separate pin 64, those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations forconnecting members 59 are possible. For example, the connecting membersmay be configured as an elongate member having its ends hingedlyattached to the sidewall 20.

With reference to FIGS. 4-4A, 9A-9B, the strap 60 may be positioned overthe upper surface 36 of the lid 14. One of the ends of the strap 60 isfed through a strap channel 82 in one of the connecting members 59. Theend is then bent or folded along a line perpendicular to the axis 66 ofthe strap 60 and is juxtaposed over another portion of the strap 60 suchthat the hook fastener 76 may interlock with the loop fastener 78 atthat end. The bending, juxtaposition and interlocking as described,define a strap loop 86 at the strap end, which secures the end of thestrap 60 about the pin 64. The other end of the strap 60 is then fedthrough the opposed strap channel 82. The strap 60 is then pulled tightand the second end secured by interlocking the hook and loop fasteners76, 78 at that end. As recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art,the positions of the hook fasteners 76 and loop fasteners 78 at each ofthe strap ends 72, 74 are such that when the strap loops 86 are formed,the strap 60 is tightly held against the upper surface 36 of the lid 14to secure the lid 14 to the receptacle body 12. For example, theposition of the hook and loop fasteners 76, 78 along strap 60, or thelength of the fasteners 76, 78 is such that the strap 60 may be used onvarious sizes of receptacles.

When the second locking mechanism 18, defined by the strap 60 andconnecting members 59 are in a locked state, i.e., the strap 60 istightly secured across the lid 14, the second locking mechanism 18restricts the lid 14 from axial motion away from the receptacle body 12and may restrict it rotationally, depending on the tightness of thestrap 60, such that the lid 14 cannot be rotated in either directionwith respect to the receptacle body 12. Thus, the second lockingmechanism 18 may provide an added level of motion restriction from thatprovided by the first locking mechanism 16 described above.

As shown in FIGS. 5-6, to prevent the strap 60 from slipping off the lid14, the lid 14 may include a groove 62. The groove 62 extendssubstantially across the diameter and over the upper surface 36 of thelid 14 and is dimensioned and shaped such that it can receive the strap60 therein. Although depicted as a continuous groove 62 of uniformwidth, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate thatalternatively, the groove may have discrete segments, extend onlypartially over the upper surface 36, or have a non-uniform width, solong as it is capable of receiving the strap 60. The strap 60 extendswithin the groove 62 on the upper surface 36 of the lid 14, such thatthe strap 60 is securely held on the upper surface 36 of the lid 14,obviating the need to rely on frictional forces to secure the strap 60and lid 14 together. With the groove 62, the strap 60 is less likely toslip off the lid 14 thus providing a more secure coupling of the lid 14to the receptacle body 12. In addition, the positioning of the strap 60within groove 62 prevents or limits rotation of the lid 14 relative tothe receptacle body 12 in both a clockwise and counterclockwisedirection, and provides additional securement of the lid 14 to thereceptacle body 12.

With reference to FIGS. 10A-10B, in which like reference numerals referto like features in FIGS. 9A and 9B, an alternative embodiment of astrap 88 is shown. Strap 88 is configured so that one end 90 of thestrap 88 is fixedly secured with the connecting member 59, such asaround pin 64, or is alternatively fixedly secured to the sidewall 20 ofthe receptacle body 12 (FIG. 4A). In this alternative embodiment, thefixed end 90 could be secured around the pin 64 or against the sidewall20 via any suitable components including but not limited to rivets,bolts, screws 92, adhesives or the like. In this way, a user would nothave to attend to securing the fixed end 90 to the connecting member 59.Instead, the user would position the strap 88 over the lid 14, feed thefree end 94 of the strap 88 through the strap channel 82 in the opposedconnecting member, pull the strap 88 tight, and secure the free end 94using the hook and loop fasteners 76, 78 as previously described. Theuse of strap 88 to secure the lid 14 to the receptacle body 12 may beeasier for some users, and further provides a fixed connection betweenthe strap 88 and the receptacle body 12 so as to prevent losing orotherwise misplacing the strap 88.

In one aspect of this alternative embodiment, the free end 94 of thestrap 88 may include a magnet 96 coupled thereto, such that when thestrap 88 is not being held against the upper surface 36 of the lid 14,the free end 94 may be releasably coupled to the receptacle body 12.Securing the free end 94 may avoid potential damage to the strap 88 andthe unsightliness from a strap end 94 otherwise uncontrollably dangling.Securing the free end 94 to the receptacle body 12 may further preventthe strap 88 from dragging on the ground and getting undesirably wet ordirty. To this end, the receptacle body 12 may be made from a suitablematerial, such as a metallic material (e.g., iron, steel, magnet ofopposite polarity, etc), that is attracted to the magnet 96. When thereceptacle body 12 is made of a material that is not attracted to themagnet 96, a magnetic-attracting component (not shown) may be coupled tothe receptacle body 12 at a desired location, such as adjacent the fixedend 90 of the strap 88. The magnetic-attracting component may be ametallic plate member that is secured to the receptacle body by screws,rivets, adhesive, or the like. When the strap 88 is not being used, thefree end 94 carrying the magnet 96 may be releasably coupled to themagnetic-attracting component on the receptacle body 12.

Although strap 88 is described with the magnet 96 carried by the strap88 and the magnetic-attracting component on the receptacle body 12, theinvention is not so limited. Those of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that alternatively, the magnet 96 may be positioned on thereceptacle body 12 and the magnetic-attracting component may bepositioned on the strap. Moreover, while the magnetic components (i.e.,either the magnet or the magnetic-attracting component) are described asbeing disposed on the receptacle body 12 of the receptacle 10, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the magnet 96 ormagnetic-attracting component may be alternatively disposed on the lid14. Alternatively, the magnet 96 or magnetic-attracting component may bedisposed on the strap itself.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 depict a trash receptacle 10 havingfirst and second locking mechanisms 16, 18 used in combination with oneanother, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that,alternatively, a trash receptacle may include only one of the first andsecond locking mechanisms 16, 18. Thus, the receptacle 10 may onlyinclude the first locking mechanism 16. In such an embodiment, featuressuch as the groove 62 in the lid 14, the connecting members 59, andperhaps other features may be omitted. Similarly, a receptacle may onlyinclude the second locking mechanism 18. In such an embodiment, thehandles 28 of the trash receptacle 10 may be used as the connectingmembers for the straps 60, 88. Additionally, other features of the firstlocking mechanism (e.g., primary tabs 42, locking apertures 48, etc.)may be omitted. In view of the above description, and depending on theparticular embodiment, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethe features that may be omitted and yet have the locking mechanism(s)operate for their intended purpose.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description ofvarious preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have beendescribed in some detail, it is not the intention of the inventor torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. The various features of the invention may beused alone or in numerous combinations depending on the needs andpreferences of the user.

1. A trash receptacle, comprising: a receptacle body having a bottomwall and at least one sidewall collectively defining a cavity having anopening for accessing the cavity and adapted to hold waste materialtherein; a lid having an upper surface and a lower surface, the lidadapted to cover the opening when engaged with the receptacle body; anda first locking mechanism having an unlocked position and a lockedposition, the lid capable of being moved away from the receptacle bodywhen in the unlocked position, and the lid prevented from being movedaway from the receptacle body when in the locked position, the firstlocking mechanism comprising: a locking element coupled to one of thelid or receptacle body, the locking element including a projectingmember; and a locking aperture coupled to the other of the lid orreceptacle body, wherein the projecting member is received in thelocking aperture when the first locking mechanism is in the lockedposition to at least partially secure the lid to the receptacle body. 2.The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanismfurther comprises: a tab extending from the lower surface of the lid,the projecting member extending from the tab in a generallycircumferential direction.
 3. The trash receptacle of claim 2, whereinthe tab is positioned radially outward of the sidewall of the receptaclebody when the lid is engaged thereto.
 4. The trash receptacle of claim1, wherein the first locking mechanism further comprises: a pair ofopposed tabs each extending from the lower surface of the lid, each ofthe tabs having a projecting member extending therefrom in a generallycircumferential direction.
 5. The trash receptacle of claim 1, whereinthe receptacle includes a handle extending from the sidewall, thelocking aperture being disposed in the handle.
 6. The trash receptacleof claim 5, wherein the handle further comprises: a pair of opposed,spaced apart lateral walls; and an elongate member extending between thelateral walls, the locking aperture being located in at least one of thelateral walls.
 7. The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein thereceptacle includes a pair of opposed handles extending from thesidewall, a locking aperture being disposed in each of the handles. 8.The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanism ismovable between the unlocked and locked positions through rotation ofthe lid in a circumferential direction relative to the receptacle body.9. The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first locking mechanismprevents rotation of the lid relative to the receptacle body in a firstcircumferential direction, and permits rotation of the lid relative tothe receptacle body in a second circumferential direction opposite tothe first circumferential direction when the first locking mechanism isin the locked position.
 10. The trash receptacle of claim 1, wherein thereceptacle body further includes a lip adjacent the opening, and thereceptacle further includes a guide mechanism to facilitate engagementof the locking element and the locking aperture, the guide mechanismcomprising: a tab extending from the lower surface of the lid; a notchformed in the lip; and a slot formed in and extending along the lip, theslot in communication with the notch at one end thereof, wherein thenotch receives the tab when the lid is moved relative to the receptaclebody so that the tab overlies the notch, the locking element beingadjacent to and aligned with the locking aperture when the tab ispositioned in the notch, the slot guiding the locking element into thelocking aperture as the first locking mechanism is moved to the lockedposition.
 11. The trash receptacle of claim 1, further comprising asecond locking mechanism having an unlocked and locked position, the lidcapable of being moved away from the receptacle body when in theunlocked position, and the lid prevented from being moved away from thereceptacle body when in the locked position, the second lockingmechanism comprising: an elongate strap having a first end and a secondend, each end coupled to the receptacle body so that the strap tightlyengages the lid when in the locked position to at least partially securethe lid to the receptacle body.
 12. The trash receptacle of claim 11,further comprising a releasable fastener adjacent at least one of thefirst and second ends of the strap for coupling the at least one of thefirst and second ends of the strap to one of the connecting members. 13.The trash receptacle of claim 12, wherein the fastener includes hook andloop fasteners spaced along the strap.
 14. The trash receptacle of claim11, wherein the lid further comprises a groove formed in the uppersurface, the strap being received in the groove when the second lockingmechanism is in the locked position.
 15. The trash receptacle of claim11, wherein the second locking mechanism further prevents rotation ofthe lid relative to the receptacle body. 16.-24. (canceled)
 25. Thetrash receptacle of claim 11, further comprising: at least oneconnecting member coupled to the receptacle body, wherein one of thefirst and second ends of the strap is coupled to the at least oneconnecting member.
 26. The trash receptacle of claim 25, wherein theconnecting member further comprises: a pair of opposed, spaced apartlateral walls; and an pin extending between the lateral walls to definea strap channel.
 27. The trash receptacle of claim 11, wherein the firstlocking mechanism secures the lid to the receptacle body at a firstcircumferential location and the second locking mechanism secures thelid to the receptacle body at a second circumferential location spacedfrom the first circumferential location.
 28. The trash receptacle ofclaim 27, wherein the first circumferential location is offset from thesecond circumferential location by approximately ninety degrees.
 29. Thetrash receptacle of claim 11, wherein one of the first and second endsis fixedly secured to the receptacle body.